Seattle mayor supports gig worker wage law as tech companies push back

Microsoft investing $2.1B in Spain | Amazon aims to streamline grocery ordering ADVERTISEMENT [GeekWire]( SPONSOR MESSAGE: BOT or NOT? This special series explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines, examining the ways that robots, AI and automation are impacting our work and lives: [Read more.]( TODAY'S TOP STORIES DoorDash revealed new data about decreasing food delivery demand in Seattle and said it has no plans to change a $4.99 fee placed on every order since the city’s new minimum wage law for gig workers went into effect last month. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell tells GeekWire he “stands strongly in support” of the law. [Read more](. Microsoft is investing $2.1 billion in Spain to boost AI and cloud infrastructure in the country. The money is “a testament to our 37-year commitment to Spain, its security, and development and digital transformation of its government, businesses, and people,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. [Read more.]( Amazon Fresh shoppers who want to lock in a regular time slot for grocery delivery or pickup can utilize a new feature called “Recurring Reservations.” Along with another feature called “Repeat Items,” Amazon is aiming to streamline weekly shopping. [Read more.]( In an internal email to employees, Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern addressed the discovery of spy cameras in two bathrooms on the company’s Seattle campus. [Read more](. Biotech giant AstraZeneca completed its $1.1 billion acquisition of Icosavax, a Seattle-based University of Washington spinout developing vaccines that resemble naturally occurring viruses. [Read more.]( Have you submitted a GeekWire Awards nomination yet? Our annual event returns May 9 and now’s the time to draw attention to such categories as Workplace of the Year or UX Design of the Year. [Read more about the event]( and [cast your ballot!]( Hot Links: - Microsoft is reportedly developing new networking card technology in a move that could reduce reliance on Nvidia and help OpenAI. ([The Information]( - Tomo, the mortgage startup founded by Zillow alumni, launched a new real estate portal utilizing OpenAI to power text search capabilities for home buyers. ([Tomo]( - Seattle-based Ridwell has diverted 17 million pounds from landfills with its business of collecting items not picked up by traditional recyclers. ([CNN]( Thanks for [subscribing]( to the GeekWire newsletter, and have a great day. — GeekWire managing editor Taylor Soper, taylor@geekwire.com; and GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser, kurt@geekwire.com. SPONSOR MESSAGE [87% of young people are talking to their parents about online risks, says new research from Microsoft. However, greater awareness of safety features and tools is needed.]( Earlier this month, Microsoft celebrated [Safer Internet Day]( – an annual event that brings people around the world together to create a safer and better online environment for all. The day provided an opportunity for people of all ages to engage and discuss online activities and safety, particularly with growing interest in emerging technologies. However, we should have conversations about online safety every day, not just on Safer Internet Day. To support that goal, Microsoft released the latest findings from our annual [Global Online Safety Survey]( along with a [Family Safety Toolkit](. We share our results publicly so that others can benefit from the insights as we collectively strive to create a safer digital ecosystem. [Learn more here.]( LATEST HEADLINES [New feature allows Amazon Fresh shoppers to lock in recurring time slot for grocery pickup or delivery]( [Seattle mayor ‘stands strongly in support’ of new gig worker wage law as tech companies push back]( [AstraZeneca completes $1.1B acquisition of Univ. of Washington biotech spinout Icosavax]( [Microsoft to invest $2.1B in Spain to expand AI and cloud infrastructure]( GEEKWORK: TODAY'S TECH JOBS - [BRINC: Senior/Principal Backend & Platform Software Engineer]( - [INRIX: Finance Pricing Manager]( - [GeekWire: The Etzioni Internship in Climate Tech Journalism at GeekWire, Summer 2024]( - [INRIX: Chief Revenue Office]( - [Dexis Professional Services: PRISM Integration SME/Engineer (Advisor-Grade 8)]( [FIND MORE JOBS ON GEEKWORK]( [HIRING? BUY A FEATURED LISTING TO APPEAR HERE]( [About GeekWire]( [Contact Us]( [Advertise]( Copyright © 2024 GeekWire LLC, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted to receive emails from GeekWire LLC.  Our mailing address is: GeekWire LLC 123 NW 36th St, Suite 203 Seattle, WA 98107  [change email frequency or address]( | [unsubscribe](